SoundScapes & Architectural Spaces: Spatial sound research in digital architectural design

Abstract

The paper presents ongoing research focusing on the development of digital tools and methodologies for spatial design based on non-Euclidean geometries. It addresses the way sound can be used both conceptually and acoustically in the early stages of the design process, examining digital architectural design and modeling based on three-dimensional sound visualization and the acoustical analysis and evaluation of complex curved surface geometry. The paper describes SoundMatrix, the first part of a digital design tool created by using Max/Msp/Jitter, to assist in the preliminary design of building façades in small-scale urban environments, specifically studying the possibilities of curvature to decrease sound reflection between opposing street façades. Examples from a workshop with the SoundMatrix application illustrate the real-time 3D authoring and sound spatialisation processing currently implemented in the tool.